Beckham aims for return to field in upcoming Rapids clash

The already-surging LA Galaxy received another big boost this week with David Beckham's return to the practice field. And though he is hopeful he can feature in the LA Galaxy's game Sunday at Colorado (5 pm MT) after returning to training this week, his sprained left ankle is still bothering him a bit.

The English midfielder, who has been out since injuring his ankle in LA's Sept. 1 victory over Vancouver, returned to practice Tuesday when the Galaxy began preparations for this weekend's Western Conference showdown.

“It's better,” Beckham told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Wednesday. “Still a little bit of discomfort, but it's good to be back on the field. [I was out] three weeks in the end. I wasn't expecting that, but I'm back now.

“I hope [I can play in Colorado]. I hope so. Trying to get my fitness back – I was working on fitness while I was injured, but nothing, obviously, like playing games and being in training. Hopefully, I can get out on the field and stay fit this week and be involved [against the Rapids].”

Beckham missed MLS home victories Sept. 14 over Colorado and last weekend against Toronto FC, just the second set of games he's missed because of injury this season. He was held out of an April 7 loss at Sporting Kansas City with an assortment of minor injuries, and also has missed matches this season due to Olympic duty, suspension and lineup rotation.

Beckham, who has an MLS career-best seven goals plus nine assists in 21 league matches this season, had been in marvelous form before the injury, with six goals and six assists, all competitions, since the Galaxy (15-11-4) started their turnaround in mid-June. He scored the MLS Goal of the Week with a trademark free kick in the Vancouver match in which he was hurt.

“This injury came at a tough time for me,” Beckham said. “I was enjoying playing, scoring goals, and that was a disappointing moment. But I'm back and hopefully I can get my fitness back and be back out there.”